How to Create an Engaging Business Training Presentation

In today’s professional world, mastering business etiquette is essential for success. Crafting an engaging and effective business training presentation can help your audience navigate the professional landscape with confidence and deliver a powerful deck. Here are some key points to consider when creating your presentation:

Interactive Content

  • Engage Your Audience: 70% of marketers say that interactive content is more effective in engaging audiences according to Smart Insights. This is because if you do all the talking, your audience may lose interest. Incorporate interactive elements to keep them involved and attentive.

Importance of Visuals

  • Visual Impact: We recommend having a visual in color on at least every other page. This is crucial because 80% of the audience can remember content presented visually compared to 70% who can retain verbal content.
    • Pro tip: Have at least three points of interaction in your presentation for engagement, for example, a vote or a workshop element. 
  • Opening and Introduction Slide to Build Credibility: Start with an opening and introduction slide where you introduce the topic and yourself. Explain why you are the chosen presenter on this topic or why the topic is relevant to them. This helps to build credibility and set the stage for your presentation. 

Delivery Techniques for engagement

  • Engaging Opening: Start with an interesting fact, question, or story to grab attention.
  • Interactive Methods: Use polls, Q&A sessions, and group activities to involve your audience.
  • Body Language: Maintain eye contact, use gestures, and move around to keep the energy high.

Follow-Up and Reinforcement

  • Provide Resources: Offer handouts, checklists, and additional reading materials for further learning.
  • Include at least one point of data, from a chart, graph, pie chart or shocking statistic. 
  • Feedback Mechanism: Encourage feedback to understand what worked well and what could be improved.
  • Follow-Up Sessions: Consider offering follow-up sessions or one-on-one coaching to reinforce learning.

The Most Engaging Presentations Include…

  • Allow for 10 minutes of Q&A time at the end. Announce this at the beginning so attendees do not interrupt throughout and break the flow of your session. 
  • Stay Current: Keep up with the latest trends and changes in business etiquette to ensure your content is relevant.
  • Be Authentic: Share your personal experiences and insights to build trust and credibility. If appropriate and pending the topic, don’t be afraid to throw in a humorous story to break the ice. Business trainings are often expected to be dull and boring (which they are not if done correctly!) so surprising your attendees with personality and a bit of humor can go a long way with audience engagement. 
  • Encourage Networking: Promote networking among participants to foster a sense of community and continued learning. Invite attendees up to meet or speak with you after your presentation. 

Creating an engaging business etiquette training presentation requires careful planning and a focus on your audience’s needs. By following these tips, you’ll be able to deliver a presentation that is informative, interactive, and impactful.